Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to stop at the tree. Festive bedding is one of the easiest ways to bring Christmas into every room, and kids especially love waking up in a bed that feels as exciting as the season. Whether you go all-out with reindeer sheets or just add a red plaid throw, here’s how to make bedrooms feel festive, cozy and ready for guests.
Why change your bedding for the holidays?
Changing bedding is a small, affordable change that transforms a room. It sets the mood for the season, makes the house feel welcoming for visiting family and gives kids something to look forward to. Because bedding gets washed and swapped anyway, it’s an easy way to decorate without adding clutter.
Christmas bedding for kids’ rooms
Kids are usually the most excited about holiday bedding.
Themed sheets and duvet covers
Snowflakes, reindeer, gingerbread, candy canes and Santa all make fun prints. Flannel versions add extra warmth on cold December nights.
A special holiday blanket
A cozy blanket that comes out every December quickly becomes a family tradition. A personalized blanket like the To My Daughter heirloom blanket makes a meaningful gift she can snuggle under for years.
Let them help
Invite kids to choose their holiday bedding or decorate a pillowcase. It builds anticipation and gives them ownership of their room. For more ideas, see our guide to kids’ bedding.
Getting the guest room ready
Holiday visitors deserve a cozy welcome.
- Wash and freshen the bedding a few days before guests arrive.
- Add an extra blanket at the foot of the bed for chilly nights.
- Use neutral sheets with festive accents, such as a red throw or a plaid pillow, so guests of all tastes feel comfortable.
- Leave a small welcome basket with towels, a water bottle and a treat.
Festive touches for your own bed
You don’t need full Christmas bedding to feel festive.
- Swap in a red, green or plaid throw.
- Add velvet or knit pillow covers in deep jewel tones.
- Layer textures like a chunky knit blanket over crisp white sheets. A hand-woven chenille blanket adds warmth and texture.
- Try flannel sheets for cozy winter nights.
Choosing a holiday color palette
Classic red and green
Traditional, bright and cheerful, especially in kids’ rooms.
Winter white and silver
Calm, elegant and easy to keep up through January.
Plaid and tartan
Cozy and rustic, perfect with wood and natural textures.
Deep jewel tones
Emerald, burgundy and navy feel rich and festive without being overly themed.
Layering for warmth and style
Winter is the perfect time to add layers. Start with flannel or sateen sheets, add a warm duvet or comforter, then a throw or quilt and finally decorative pillows. Layering lets you adjust warmth easily and looks inviting. Read more in our guide to bedding layers and our tips for a cozy winter bedroom.
A Christmas Eve tradition: new pajamas and fresh sheets
Many families make Christmas Eve special with new pajamas and freshly made beds. Some put a new holiday blanket or pillowcase on each child’s bed as a small early gift. It’s a sweet way to end the evening and make the night before Christmas feel magical.
Storing holiday bedding
- Wash everything before storing to prevent stains from setting.
- Make sure it’s completely dry.
- Store in breathable cotton bags or bins, not plastic bags that trap moisture.
- Label each set so it’s easy to find next year.
Our guide to bedding storage boxes has more ideas.
Cozy holiday gift ideas
Bedding and blankets make thoughtful Christmas gifts, because they’re used every day.
- A personalized heirloom blanket for a daughter, partner or friend.
- A themed blanket for a pet lover, like the Cat Lovers heirloom blanket.
- Flannel sheets for someone who’s always cold.
- A chunky throw for the sofa.
Making the whole house feel festive
Bedrooms are often the last rooms to be decorated, but a few small touches carry the holiday feeling all the way upstairs. A string of warm white fairy lights around a headboard or window gives a soft glow at bedtime. A small wreath on the bedroom door, a sprig of greenery on the nightstand or a scented pine candle in a safe holder can make the room feel just as seasonal as the living room. Always switch off lights and extinguish candles before sleeping.
For children, a little advent calendar or a stocking hung from the bedpost adds to the excitement of counting down the days. In a guest room, a festive throw folded at the foot of the bed and a handwritten welcome card make visitors feel at home.
Holiday bedding on a budget
You don’t need a new set of bedding for every room. Swapping just the pillowcases is the cheapest way to change the look. A single throw or blanket can move from room to room, or from the bed to the sofa for movie nights. Thrift and vintage shops often have quilts and blankets in classic holiday colors, and plain white bedding can be dressed up for Christmas and then down again in January with almost no extra cost.
Easing back after the holidays
When the season is over, putting away holiday bedding can feel like a fresh start. Wash and fold everything, store it with a sachet of lavender or cedar to keep it smelling fresh, and switch to calm winter neutrals and warm textures for January and February.
FAQ
When should I put out Christmas bedding?
Many families swap in holiday bedding after Thanksgiving or at the start of December.
Is flannel bedding good for winter?
Yes. Flannel is brushed cotton that feels warm and soft, making it ideal for cold nights.
How can I make a guest room festive without themed bedding?
Use neutral sheets and add festive pillows, a red throw and a small decoration on the nightstand.
Heads up: NicheStuff is our own shop, so we earn from purchases made through these links. Prices and availability are set on the store and can change.